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Demographic Evolution of Azalea Acres/Azalea Lakes: A Study of Racial Composition and Income Trends
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
The Azalea Acres/Azalea Lakes neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, has undergone significant demographic changes. As of 2022, it is classified as a "Moderate Diversity" community, with a white population of 42% and an Asian population of 24%. The neighborhood's median income in 2022 was $54,830, following notable fluctuations over the past decade.
The neighborhood has experienced substantial demographic transitions over a ten-year period. In 2013, it was categorized as having "Moderate Diversity" with equal proportions of Black and White residents at 33% each. By 2017, it had shifted to a "White Majority" status with 57% White population. Subsequent years saw rapid changes, including a transition to "Black Plurality" in 2019, a return to "White Majority" in 2020-2021, and finally back to "Moderate Diversity" in 2022 with significant increases in Asian and Hispanic populations.
Economic trends in the neighborhood have shown considerable volatility, correlating with demographic changes. From 2013 to 2015, the median income remained relatively stable around $52,000-$53,000. A sharp decline to $32,000-$35,000 occurred from 2016 to 2018, coinciding with the shift to White Majority. From 2019 to 2022, there was a gradual increase back to $54,830, aligning with increased diversity.
The population of Azalea Acres/Azalea Lakes has fluctuated, reaching a peak of 1,075 in 2018 and decreasing to 723 by 2022. This population decrease, combined with income recovery and increased diversity, may indicate gentrification or changing housing preferences.
The rapid demographic shifts observed in Azalea Acres/Azalea Lakes deviate from typical national trends, which generally show more gradual changes. The sharp income fluctuations also differ from national patterns that typically demonstrate steadier growth or decline. The recent increase in Asian population from 3% in 2020 to 24% in 2022 is particularly notable and may reflect broader trends of Asian immigration or internal migration to certain urban areas in the United States.
The neighborhood's economic recovery since 2019 aligns with national post-recession trends. However, the magnitude of local fluctuations suggests more localized factors at play, possibly related to changes in local industry, housing policy, or urban development initiatives in Norfolk.
Azalea Acres/Azalea Lakes represents a dynamic, transitional community experiencing rapid demographic and economic changes. These shifts present both challenges and opportunities for community cohesion, local businesses, and urban planning initiatives. The area's evolution from a predominantly White and Black community to one with significant Asian and Hispanic populations reflects broader national trends towards increasing diversity, albeit at an accelerated pace.
